Again

Chapter 25.

Sunday flies away and I mostly spend it in my room. I woke up that morning feeling even more horrible than I felt the night before. I often catch myself wanting to call Finn, but then remembering how we aren't friends anymore. This boy has perfect timing. Just when I need him most, he decides to cut our friendship. Without any hesitation. So to keep me occupied I studied and prepared for the upcoming exams. I was hoping and expecting for a call by now, but the only thing I received was a message from Emma and a call from Heather. To tell that I am sad would be an understatement.

On Monday I leave extra early, making sure to not meet anyone. Since Saturday Mum and Bob have barely talked to me. Dinners are quiet and tensed, so I at least try to avoid them in the morning. Outside I briefly meet Mr. Styles whom waves at me from the other side of the street before getting into his car and driving away. He works at the nearest hospital and he rarely is home due his often shifting working hours. It's funny how much Harry looks like his father, but at the same time, he looks just like Anne.

Since I got out early, I buy a coffee for me and Emma, before driving back to her house. During the whole drive I think about Harry and his family and what Anne said. It's driving me crazy, being the outcast who doesn't know anything. Does Harry know more? My thoughts wander to the countless times I witnessed their heavy arguments. Was it because of that? Was Harry in the same situation as I am right now? And if so, how did he get out?

Thursday and Wednesday pass by like nothing and I manage to ignore, or push away any thoughts I have on Harry. Emma and Heather were speechless when I told them about my fight with my mother. These were always the moments that Finn was required for. He would appease my mother and Bob in ten minutes and we would all work out a plan. Finn's a genius, so I wasn't surprised when the girls started to push me to call him. I didn't told them about what really happened, they think we are just fighting.

Then on Tuesday, as I make my way to my locker, my phone starts ringing. I've got a message.

*Are you at School? -H*

My heart rate quickens and I frown. I look around before opening the locker and placing all of my stuff inside, so I could text back.

*Of course I am. How did you get my number? -M*

I start picking up the books I need for my last few classes when he answers. *I am waiting outside. -H* I hold my breath, closing my locker in a swift movement. What is he doing here? I bite my lip to keep myself from smiling like an idiot. We're meeting tomorrow anyway, why is he here?

*I can't, I have classes. Why are you here? -M*

Seconds later I've got an answer. *Come out or I will find you myself. -H x*

Just when I'm about to answer, the ring bells. I have to decide quickly, do I want to go out, or stay in school? Both way, he would come in and I don't want him to make a scene. I sigh. The decision was made the second he told me to come out. It feels like an invisible string, pulling me towards him. Is it normal that he seems to have too much power over me? It seems like I am drawn to him over and over again. I adjust my school bag and start walking. "Mia!"

I turn around, spotting Emma who’s walking towards me. "Where are you going? We have Math together, come on!" She has her tote bag swinging from the left shoulder and her book in the right hand.

I look the other way and through the glass doors. He's standing under one of the big tress in the parking lot. The black sunglasses shield his eyes, unlike the white shirt that reveals the tattoos on his torso. The black leather jacket however hide the ones on his arms. And again I am distracted. I hear footsteps and soon feel Emma's hand on my arm. Seconds later her sharp intake of breath as she follows my look.

"Is that...“

"Yes."

"Is he waiting on you?" the shock and surprise in her voice makes my heart jump.

"Yes."

"You're not going are you?" she asks and her serious tone makes me look at her. "Mia, you don't know him. Don't make an unnecessary mistake."

I bite my lip. Would it really be that unnecessary? "I have to go," I say, just as the door opens. "I want to find out if-"

Suddenly the doors open, the sunbeams are blocked by a big figure standing right in front of me. "I told you I would come inside," he says, grinning cheekily at us. The words get stuck in my throat. Emma's eyes are hard and cold as she looks Harry in the face. A smug expression spreads on his face as he takes my bag from my shoulder.

"What the hell are you doing here? She has classes."

"We made plans," Harry answers casually, his eyes searching mine. I'm mesmerized by the green, I didn't even register that he took the bag from me. "Are you coming," it's more of a request, than a question.

"Yeah," I say, looking at Emma. "It's fine. I will call you, I promise."

Emma sighs heavily. "You're making a mistake, Mia. It's not like you know him and suddenly you drop school for some guy?"

"You don't know me either," Harry huffs rather angrily. "Don't talk like you do know me or what I do."

"I know you are ruthless. You won't know how worthy she is, you just want to ruin something you can't have," Em says, equally harsh. Her eyes lock with mine. "If anything happens, call me. I will kick his ass."

I give her a hug, whispering a 'thank you'. I didn't know Em's thinking about me like that. I didn't have much friends when I was younger and to know that she's protective over me as a friend, makes me tear up. With one last glare she hastily makes her way into the classroom. Students that are also late give me and Harry weird looks, but he doesn't seem to care as he takes my hand in his and leads me out the door. A feeling like electricity shoots through my body and I shiver slightly. Harry frowns at me, probably at my reaction. I look out for his car, but am surprised when he walks towards a motorcycle.

The few students that are still outside turn their heads towards us. I hear some of them whispering and pointing at us. Two girls walk by, giggling like the little school girls that they are when Harry grins at them. I roll my eyes as I catch the motorcycle Harry climbs on.

"Are you serious?"

He looks at the vehicle. "Yes. Come on," he grins. He takes the helmet that swings on the side, handing it to me.

"How thoughtful of you," I roll my eyes. "What are you doing here? Why are you here?"

He shrugs, looking at the building behind me instead of my face. "We could never grab something to eat..."

I can feel the blush creeping into my cheeks, my pulse getting quicker by the second. I have absolutely no control over my body. It amazes and scares me how my body reacts by some simple words spoken from him. I don't want someone to have this kind of power over me.

"I don't know...“

He looks at me. At least I think he does, since he's wearing sunglasses. "Stop being obnoxious. Just get on the damn motorcycle already," he speaks in his heavy accent. He takes the textbooks from my hand and pushes them into my bag. I take it back, pulling it back on my shoulders. I'm thankful that I decided to wear my most fitting jeans instead of a skirt as I often do. He pushes the sunglasses over his hair, looking directly into my eyes. "Come here," he says.

I hold my breath as he gently puts the helmet on my head, making sure it's secure. I sit, my arms uselessly hanging on my sides. I know what to do, I saw enough cheesy movies. But I never thought it would happen to me one day. Suddenly, I feel his hands running down my both arms, until he finds my hands. He places them on his stomach. I can feel his skin through his thin shirt, his muscles tense immediately. His hands linger a little too long on my hands and I wonder if he can feel my racing heart beat on either his back or on the pulse of my wrist.

"Don't be scared," he whispers. "I'm careful. You'll be save."

"I trust you with that," I say, more jokingly, but even I hear the serious undertone. He nods in response, pushing the sunglasses back on his nose. And then we drive off.

• • • • • • • •

A/N.: LEATHER JACKET.